As you all know we all got to take a day this weekend to celebrate moms. Being a mom, I was able to reap some benefits on this blessed day but it also gave me the opportunity to think about the importance of this role. In addition to the amazing mother that I have been blessed with, I also have an incredible mother-in-law and a couple great grandmas. I just wanted to take a couple minutes to reflect on the amazing women that I have been blessed with.
My Mother: Geeze...where do I start? Words cannot describe my mom. She is so many things. Unselfish, loving, kind, caring, smart, beautiful, genuine, exemplary...I could go on and on. Above it all, I would say that she is one of the strongest women I know of. She's been through some tough trials in her life and each and every time has come out of them better. My mom is the greatest examples to me of what a mother should be. She is the type of person that would give you the shirt off of her back. I strive every day to be a little bit more like her in that way. I think my sister got that from her but I'm not sure that gene got in me. I love her so much and I'm so grateful for the ways she has taught me to be a better mother.
My Mother-in-law: First off, I will always be indebted to my MIL for the amazing job she and my FIL did in raising Ryan. He is one of the most loyal, hard working, trustworthy men I know of and I know that those are all attributes he learned from his parents. My mother in law has quickly become one of my most favorite people on the planet. She is genuinely loving and cares for each and every one of her children--including those who have married into the family. She is the best care taker I know...the type of person who really makes you feel like they LIKE to take care of you, even if they don't. Even though our families live in separate states, every time we visit Utah, I feel like I'm going home and I thank my mother in law for that and the way she makes me feel so welcome.
My Grandma Snead: I don't actually know my Grandma Snead because she died two months after I was born but somehow I have always felt a special bond with her. Maybe it's because my mom would always tell me that during her last few months when she was in the hospital and all the adults were rushing around her trying to come up with some way to make her more comfortable, they would just place me in her bed and she would seem to be comforted. I don't know how true that is but I do know the special spirit and peace a baby can bring to anyone. I look forward to the day when I can run up to my Grandma in heaven, give her a big hug and really get to know her.
My Grandma Dewey: Once again, I'm almost speechless when it comes to describing my lovely Grandma Dewey. I was blessed to be able to grow up living 10 minutes away from my grandma and because of that she is present in a lot of my happiest childhood memories. She was at birthday parties, graduations, softball games, or even just a Sunday dinner. In fact, when I think of my Grandma Dewey, I often think about Sunday dinners at her house. Roast beef, mashed potatoes (loaded with butter!), corn, cooked carrots (which we would always tease my grandpa for not eating), rolls and Texas sheet cake for dessert. My grandma was a great cook but she didn't waver on the menu too often---which I love! Why fix what isn't broken? When my grandma passed away, it was one of the hardest things in my life. But again, I'm so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and for the day when I can be with her again...and if she wants to make me some caramels, or melt-aways, or fudge or whatever...then all the better!
Lastly, I can't do a post without a picture of this little one. Now you know why we call her our little monkey. Plus, she's the reason I'm so proud to call myself a mother so I think it applies. :)
